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President Droupadi Murmu's address to the Indian Parliament marked the commencement of the Budget Session, setting the stage for the upcoming presentation of the Economic Survey by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The speech, delivered on Friday, provided a comprehensive overview of the government's achievements and priorities for the coming year. Murmu highlighted the nation's progress across various sectors, emphasizing India's burgeoning leadership in technology and artificial intelligence. This assertion is underpinned by the government's strategic investments in digital infrastructure and its push for technological self-reliance, as evidenced by the success of initiatives like Digital India and Make in India. The president also acknowledged the significant role of the private sector in driving innovation and growth, showcasing a collaborative approach to national development.
A central theme of Murmu's address was the government's commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable sections of society. The speech detailed numerous welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of the poor, middle class, youth, women, and farmers. The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, promising new homes to an additional three crore families with a substantial allocation of Rs 5,36,000 crore, exemplifies this commitment. Furthermore, the success of initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (12 crore toilets constructed), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (10 crore free LPG connections), and the provision of rations to 80 crore needy citizens underscore the government's efforts towards ensuring a dignified life for all citizens. The president highlighted the creation of a 'Neo Middle Class' – 25 crore people who have risen out of poverty – as a testament to the success of these initiatives, a demographic now actively contributing to India’s economic dynamism.
The government's focus on women's empowerment was also a prominent feature of the address. The president lauded the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’, a landmark legislation reserving seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The significant role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in empowering women was also highlighted, emphasizing their economic contribution through bank linkages and their role in driving entrepreneurship. The ambitious goal of creating 3 crore 'Lakhpati Didis' (women millionaires), with over 1.15 crore already achieved, reflects the government's dedication to gender equality and women's economic participation. Further initiatives like the Bima Sakhi campaign, aimed at providing insurance access to all, and the establishment of Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis, focusing on sustainable agriculture and livestock management respectively, demonstrate a holistic approach to empowering women across various sectors.
Beyond social welfare, the president's speech underscored the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic growth. The introduction of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) and the Waqf Bills were mentioned as crucial steps towards improving governance and streamlining processes. The government's efforts to simplify tax-related processes and enhance transparency through faceless assessments were also highlighted. The decision to establish the Eighth Pay Commission and provide a 50% assured pension to lakhs of employees under the Unified Pension Scheme showcases the government's commitment to the welfare of government employees, contributing significantly to their financial security. The president's acknowledgment of the crucial role taxpayers play in nation-building serves to reinforce the symbiotic relationship between the government and the citizenry.
The emphasis on youth employment and technological advancement is another key aspect of the speech. Initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Digital India, along with the creation of 10 lakh permanent government jobs in the past two years, demonstrate a concerted effort to provide opportunities for young people. A dedicated Rs 2 lakh crore package for skills enhancement further reinforces this commitment. The president also highlighted India's digital revolution, citing the successful launch of 5G services and the widespread adoption of UPI technology as significant milestones in India's technological progress. This focus on technology, coupled with social welfare programs and economic reforms, paints a picture of a nation strategically positioning itself for continued growth and global leadership in the years to come. The government's proactive measures to create a vibrant and inclusive economy signal a commitment to sustainable and equitable development.
In conclusion, President Murmu's address presented a comprehensive vision for India's future, balancing social welfare initiatives with economic growth strategies. The focus on inclusive development, technological advancement, and fiscal prudence positions India for continued progress on the global stage. The upcoming budget is expected to provide greater detail on the financial implications of these ambitious plans and further clarify the government's approach towards achieving its stated objectives. The speech successfully highlighted the government's achievements and laid out an ambitious roadmap for the future, setting the tone for the Budget Session and beyond.
Source: Budget Expectations 2025: President Murmu highlights 6 key growth indicators